Most people who have studied abroad will tell you that it was one of the best experiences of their lives. On the other hand, most of those who haven't will offer you all the excuses they can think of for why they sadly never went. The most prevalent barrier is the cost of studying abroad. The entire expense, but it doesn't have to be that way. Some people will point to stringent degree requirements and scheduling difficulties.
Although the overall cost of studying abroad is a legitimate concern, the question "how much does it cost to study abroad?" is frequently exaggerated and misunderstood. And that's understandable—between the changing expenses of various study abroad programmes, the kinds and amounts of financial help provided by your home university, and the actual costs of living abroad, it's simple to see how any precise sums may get lost in translation.
Tuition
Tuition is, by far, the biggest outlay for the majority of study abroad programmes. Whether your university or another organisation offers a programme, the tuition will vary according to the programme and the money your host institution will get. Even if you're an international student, several nations—including those in the European Union—have excellent public education systems and will charge you very little hence decreasing your cost of studying abroad.
USA
- According to College Board, the average tuition cost at State universities is 26,290 USD.
- In comparison, Private Non-Profit Institutions charge an average of 35,830 USD per student.
- However, Community, Technical, or City Colleges, offer the most affordable options, with the average tuition for the academic year being under 3,660 USD.
UK
With prices for home students (UK/EU) having climbed to eye-watering levels recently, UK tuition fees are usually a cause of debate.
- Undergraduate Tuition Costs abroad range widely, starting at about 10,000 Euros and increasing as high as 38,000 Euros or more for medical degrees.
- According to estimates, the average cost of pursuing masters in the UK is at least 22,200 Euros, with costs in London likely to be much higher.
While these expenses may seem overwhelming, keep in mind that most UK universities offer shorter programmes than those in other nations, such as the US (three years instead of four for the typical undergraduate degree and one year instead of two for a master's degree), so you might be able to reduce the cost of studying abroad in the UK from your overall budget.
Australia
The typical annual tuition costs for overseas students are listed as follows by Study Australia, the official government website for international students -
- Undergraduate bachelor degree – 20,000 AUD to 45,000 AUD
- Postgraduate master’s degree – 22,000 AUD to 50,000 AUD
- Doctoral degree – 20,000 AUD to 42,000 AUD
Australian university tuition is typically calculated per unit rather than annually. Each unit falls into a cost band, and since most students will be combining units from various bands, the cost of studying abroad in Australia may vary depending on who you ask.
Canada
Canada is more affordable than the cost of studying abroad in many other nations. The institution and programme you are enrolled in will determine how this range, which is simply an average, applies to you.
- The tuition fee for Undergraduate Courses in Canada ranges from 20,875 CAD to 63,323 CAD
- Whereas the tuition fees for Graduation Courses range from 13,667 CAD to 66,665 CAD
Germany
The 16 states that makeup Germany eliminated undergraduate tuition costs at all German public institutions in 2014 to make sure students do not have to endure the pressure of the cost of studying abroad. This indicates that domestic and foreign undergraduates presently have access to free education at public institutions in Germany, with only a nominal fee per semester to cover administrative and other costs.
There is a fee per semester for undergraduate enrollment, confirmation, and administration at German public universities. This varies by the university but usually is no more than 250 Euros per semester.
- If a Master's Degree is considered "consecutive" at a German university, meaning it comes immediately after a relevant bachelor's degree earned in Germany, it is typically free. A minor fee per semester is required for enrollment, confirmation, administration, and a Semester ticket.
- For students who have earned their Bachelor's Degree elsewhere in the world, tuition costs for "non-consecutive" Master's Degrees vary between universities. They can range from roughly 20,000 Euros to 30,000 Euros per year at private German universities.
Tuition fees for non-EU students were reinstated in the southwestern state of Baden-Württemberg in the fall of 2017, and additional states will probably do the same in the coming years. In Baden-Württemberg, non-EU students are now required to pay tuition fees of 3,000 Euros per year, while those pursuing a second degree pay a lower charge of 1,300 Euros
Ireland
The tuition for the selected programme will take up a significant portion of your study abroad spending plan. In Ireland.
- The typical tuition for Undergraduate Programmes is between 9,850 Euros and 2,250 Euros.
- Expect to pay between 9,950 Euros and 35,000 Euros annually for Master's and Postgraduate Programmes in the most popular fields.
In addition, institutions may collect additional fees for things like test fees or functional cost.
Residence
After tuition, living expenses like rent and food and entertainment can add up to your cost of studying abroad. Many study abroad programmes will cover this cost as part of the upfront programme costs, whether you are staying in a homestay or dorms with meals included or not. If not, you should start looking for a cheap place to live in your host city as soon as possible and figure out how much money you'll need to set aside for other required expenses.
US
International students can live on campus at the majority of US universities. On-Campus Housing is a relatively reasonable choice, but you must apply separately and far in advance to guarantee a spot for yourself. The Average cost of living on campus is 800 USD- 900 USD monthly.
Additionally, you can live Off-Campus in shared flats with other international students or in a homestay with a local family. It would help if you were willing to adapt to a different way of life in such circumstances. Do not forget that rental prices vary from city to city. The average cost of living off-campus rentals or homestays ranges from 450 USD to 3600 USD per month.
UK
International students can access On-Campus Housing options called Halls of Residence at most UK universities. These come with full board or self-catering options. Some colleges also provide their students with self-catered communal homes or apartments. On-campus housing is cost-effective and can reduce your overall cost of studying abroad. You must apply independently and in advance to guarantee a spot for yourself.
Cities will charge differently. If you decide to rent an apartment, you will also need to pay for tenant's insurance and additional utility costs like power, internet, and water use (in some housing areas). The typical house rent for a one-bedroom apartment is between 550 Euros and 650 Euros. (Indicative).
Australia
International students can live On-Campus at the majority of Australian universities. On-campus rent ranges from 110 AUD to 280 AUD per week.
You may also choose to live Off-Campus in an apartment with other Indian students or with a local Australian family. Typically, rent is paid in advance every two weeks. Do not forget that rental prices vary from city to city. Living off-campus ranges from 95 AUD - 325 AUD per week, depending on where the person decides to stay.
Canada
Most colleges and universities have On-Campus Housing options for students, some of which are designed expressly for international students. However, acceptance to a Canadian university does not guarantee that you will be given a residence hall room. For on-campus housing, students must submit a separate application. Prices vary by institution and are based on your preferences, such as whether you want a private room or a meal plan and can all depend on the budget you have kept in your cost of studying abroad.
Some international students opt to rent an apartment Off-Campus. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Canada is 1,577 CAD per month.
Germany
While many students can attend college for free in Germany, living expenditures are a must. Germany has a varied cost of living -
- Munich, for instance, is regarded as the most expensive city in the country, with annual living expenses averaging over 12,000 Euros.
- In contrast, the cost of living in other cities is approximate 10,200 Euros.
Your main monthly expense will be rent, less expensive if you live in a shared apartment - average rent is 280 Euros per month or a dorm for students is 234 Euros per month.
Ireland
Finding housing in Ireland is simple even though it has long been a rigorous place for higher study. Most colleges offer On-Campus housing options such as student dorms, private hostels, and apartments, among other possibilities. University dorm rooms cost between 200 Euros and 300 Euros per month.
It will cost between 400 Euros and 900 Euros per month for a student to live separately in an apartment or between 450 Euros and 550 Euros per month if you want to live with a spouse or friends.
Travel Expenses
The final significant item to consider in your cost of studying abroad is travel expenses. Some programmes will cover your travel expense to the host nation, while others won't. It would help if you were sure that you are aware of what your programme fees will cover.
In addition to the main flights to and from your study abroad destination, you also need to remember that you'll probably use public transit regularly and make some side trips while you're abroad. Depending on the economic state of your host nation, these expenditures (as with rent and other everyday expenses) are significantly less expensive in some regions of the world than in others.
US
Travelling expenditure in the US ranges from 30 USD to 60 USD depending on the person's needs. However, if the person chooses to rent or buy a personal vehicle, then ever-changing gas prices would also be applicable.
UK
Travel and transport charges based on monthly bus passes would be around 32 Euros per month. Whereas if the person chooses to rent or buy a personal vehicle, then ever-changing gas prices would also be applicable.
Australia
Public transportation services in Australia cost around 30 AUD to 60 AUD per week, whereas if you decide to purchase a car, it would cost you about 150 AUD to 260 AUD per week.
Canada
You might be able to ride your bike or walk to campus, depending on where you live. Many students, especially those who attend schools in major cities, travel by bus, subway, commuter train, or ferry.
One-way prices for public transportation are generally under 1 CAD, and monthly passes cost between 80 CAD and 150 CAD, though many transit companies also offer student discounts.
Germany
Public transportation services in Germany would cost you around 94 Euros per month unless you decide to get a personal transport vehicle.
Ireland
In terms of finances, you can commute to the college or university using public transportation. Make sure to purchase a monthly bus pass to travel the country for a reduced charge of about 50 Euros to 55 Euros every month. A bicycle may be rented for about 20 Euros per day.